Of the three major obstacles to overthrowing the World Government, the third—how to avoid being attacked from both front and rear would be the easiest to solve.
To Rosinante, the Revolutionary Army of the future was a natural ally. In fact, while building his own strength in secret, he could use the Revolutionary Army as a decoy—diverting the World Government's attention. By the time he led the Marines to declare independence, it wouldn't be him asking the Revolutionaries for help, but the Revolutionaries seeking his alliance.
Then there were pirates scattered across the world. Among them, some could be won over, some suppressed, and others even nurtured from the ground up. All of them could become useful tools in the future.
But while this part was relatively simple, it would also be the final step. There was no need to rush.
The second problem, the economic one could also be solved with the right strategy. Obviously, relying on World Government funding was a dead end. But where did the World Government's money come from?
Taxes.
The World Government collected tributes from its member nations in exchange for "protection." In the pirate era, this tribute was known as the Heavenly Tribute.
However, the Marines had no taxation rights. So taxation was out. That left only one option—business.
The answer was to commercialize the Navy, generate profit through enterprise. For example, he could start a maritime security company dedicated to escorting merchant ships.
Rosinante also thought of a certain man—Gild Tesoro, the "Golden Emperor" who once controlled 20% of the world's Berry. A true genius of business. If Rosinante could bring him under his banner, 80% of the funding issue would be solved in one move.
But based on the current timeline, Tesoro was still just a kid—around the same age as Rosinante. There was no rush to contact him. Making a move too early might alter Tesoro's life course. If he somehow messed up this moneymaking monster's future, he'd cry himself to sleep.
So that could wait a decade.
Which left the most difficult task of all, establishing a new righteous cause for the Marines. One that could stand as a guiding belief, even after they severed ties with the World Government.
To others, this might seem impossibly complex. But to Rosinante, the answer was clear: found a party—a movement based on ideology. Define a guiding philosophy, write its doctrine, and find like-minded people to carry the message.
But before founding any sort of party, it was critical to cultivate a group of loyal, capable followers. People who not only believed in him, but who held real power or one day would. At the very least, they needed their own battalions to spread his ideals to every Marine under their command.
Where could such people be found?
After a moment of thought, Rosinante had the answer: Z's newly founded Marine Academy.
It was the One Piece world's equivalent of the famed Huangpu Military Academy. Every future high-ranking Marine officer would graduate from there—Borsalino, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and all the Vice Admirals with names worth remembering. Even the next generation—Smoker, Tashigi would come from that school.
In truth, Z was the true founding pillar of the modern Navy. In terms of legacy, even Garp and Sengoku paled slightly in comparison.
But the ending of this great Marine Godfather was a tragedy.
At age 42, Z's family was slaughtered by pirates. At 65, while escorting a group of cadets, he was ambushed by Edward Weevil—Whitebeard's so-called "son." Z lost an arm and nearly all of his students were killed, with only Ain and Binz surviving.
To make matters worse, just one year after the Summit War, Edward Weevil was accepted into the Seven Warlords of the Sea by the World Government.
That was the final straw. Z's faith in justice completely collapsed.
He formed the Neo Marines with Ain and Binz, launching a guerrilla campaign across the New World. His goal: destroy every pirate in existence using Dyna Stones, explosives capable of mass destruction.
But his plans were discovered by the Marines. Sakazuki issued an execution order.
And so, in his twilight years, Z aged, disabled, and weary of life, fought his final battle against Borsalino and was killed.
At the end, it was Kuzan who came to bury him.
This heartbreaking tale was later summarized by fans of the Navy in one haunting line:
"Sakazuki gave the order, Borsalino pulled the trigger, Kuzan dug the grave."
Three Admirals, betraying their master. The ultimate disgrace.
Yet even so, Z the Marine Godfather, stayed true to his ideals until the very end. At 74 years old, he died without killing a single Marine—refusing to spill the blood of his former students.
Not killing Admirals. A resolve to the death.
This was the story of Z the Hero.
Some say Z's justice was the true justice of the Marines.
Rosinante agreed.
"Admiral Sengoku!"
Kalit snapped upright and saluted as Rosinante was still lost in thought.
"At ease, Kalit. We're home. No need for formalities here."
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku—uh, I mean, Sengoku-sir."
Kalit corrected himself smoothly.
Sengoku turned to Rosinante with a warm smile. "Well? What do you think of your new home?"
"Of course I like it, Dad." Rosinante beamed. "It may be modest, but it's the perfect place to grow stronger. Like the saying goes: 'Though the house is humble, virtue makes it rich.' I love it here."
Sengoku's eyes lit up.
Though the house is humble, virtue makes it rich... What a profound line, it echoed Sengoku's own beliefs. A simple home mattered little compared to a heart dedicated to peace.
"Rosinante... who taught you that quote?" He asked, clearly moved.
Rosinante chuckled. "Came up with it myself."
"You did? Incredible. You're still so young and already so eloquent. Who knows? Maybe you'll grow up to be a great author, famous across the seas!"
"A famous author? Nah. Not my thing. I want to be a Marine just like you, Dad. A Marine who stands for true justice!"
"A Marine Admiral, huh? Hahaha! That's a fine dream. I like it. Go for it, Rosinante!"
Sengoku was overjoyed. A son who shared his values and ambition, what more could a father ask for?
"Oh, by the way, Rosinante." Sengoku added as if remembering something, "We might have a few guests over tonight. Don't do anything impolite."
"Guests? Who are they, Dad?"
Sengoku chuckled. "Garp, Kong, Tsuru, and Z. Old friends of mine."
What?!
Rosinante's eyes widened.
Those are some of the highest-ranking names in the Navy!
And among them, Z! The very man Rosinante had been trying to find a way to approach. This was his chance to get close, maybe even find a way into the Marine Academy.
No doubt about it, Z was the most tragic figure in the Marines, brought down by his own three disciples.
(End of Chapter)
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